The purpose of an interview is to receive a job offer. A job interview is your opportunity to market your abilities and talents. Before and during the interview, an employer judges your appearance, qualifications, skills and general suitability for the available position.

Equally important, the interview gives you a chance to appraise the job and the employer. It enables you to decide if the job meets your career needs and interests and if the employer is one you want to work for.

The preparation starts when you are contacted to set up the interview; write down the date, time and location of the interview. Make sure you can find the location. Find out whom to ask for when you arrive. Also note the name(s) and job title(s) of your interviewer(s).

Review the information for the post you have been invited to interview for. You should save all the advertisements you respond to. Go prepared.

If you know the company for which you are being interviewed, get as much information as you can about them - their products, services and their place in the market/industry.

Dress appropriately. Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed and fit properly. Clean your shoes. Not too much jewelry. Don't use a strong perfume or aftershave.

Arrive On Time - 5 minutes early is fine, do arrive not half an hour early. There are many reasons that determined the specific time you were given. Don't be late.

Before you go in to the interview take one last look, ask to use the Men's or Ladies room. If you have sweaty palms give your hands a good wipe.

When you are escorted into the room, smile. Respond to the greeting you are given in a warm tone of voice. Use correct English and speak clearly.

Handshakes are important. Don't crush the hand extended to you. A limp handshake sends a variety of negative messages. Practice your handshake.

Sit when offered a seat. Place your bag/briefcase in an appropriate place. Ask if you are not sure. Sit up straight, close your knees and keep your feet on the floor.

Maintain good eye contact throughout the interview. Don't try to outstare the interviewer.

It is normal to be nervous but do try to avoid fidgeting, cracking your knuckles or performing other meaningless body movements.

Respond to questions in a forthright manner. A friendly, honest, and sincere you will always make a good impression. If a question is not clear, you can say so and ask for it to be rephrased, but don't do this for every question.

Prepare truthful responses to why you have made each career change.

At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for seeing you and if you have not been told, ask what you should expect to happen next.